Petra Greg Hough–guitar and vocals, Bob Hartman–guitar and vocals, John DeGroff–bass guitar, Bill Glover-drums
These are the original members of the band, but there were more recent line-ups, such as the reunion band, the members of which were: Greg X. Volz–vocals, Bob Hartman–guitar, Mark Kelly–bass guitar, John Lawry–keyboards, Louie Weaver–drums
Petra goes back almost as far as you can with Christian rock. Rock is their middle name. Well, actually, it's their first, middle, and last name, since "petra" means "rock" in Greek. This band formed back in 1972 and had an incredible career. They finally retired in 2006 (34 years later!) with over twenty albums released. The band even played a reunion tour recently. There's not many bands ever that can boast that kind of record. Petra was one of the earliest Christian rock bands around and paved the way for virtually everything that has come since. They've performed in a range of styles and have released both hard rock albums and worship albums. Their songs definitely draw their inspiration from the years when they were recorded: Petra isn't a group of visionaries, but they do match what was going on around them well, whether that was rock, hard rock, or alternative rock. The best parts of their music is the guitar-work and the vocals, where most of their energy was spent. One of the great things about Petra is that if you go through their range of music, you are almost certain to find something in your favorite brand of rock.
Jekyll and Hyde
It is Finished
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
Stryper Michael Sweet-vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, Oz Fox-lead guitar, Robert Sweet-drums, Tim Gaines-bass guitar
Stryper was one of the first Christian metal bands and certainly one of the most successful. In fact, Stryper is one of those rare Christian bands that can break through and achieve popularity outside of the realm of Christian music. They have done so to an amazing extent, having gained more popularity with non-Christians than with Christians. This, as well as their glam-metal image and mainstream connections, has caused them to be condemned by some prominent Christian people and organizations. Despite this, they continue to play, after close to thirty years, and still sing with a strongly Christian message. They have been known to pass out bibles at their concerts, which should tell the critics something. Their guitars are loud and wailing and their vocals are classic, high-pitched 80s metal. Despite their decades-old sound, they are still playing and popular today. If you like metal with extravagant costumes (yellow and black stripes), big hair, and loud music, Stryper's your band.
To Hell Withe the Devil
Soldiers Under Command
Murder by Pride
Bride Dale Thompson-vocals, Troy Thompson-guitars, G.D. Watts-bass guitar, Jerry McBroom-drums
Bride is another band that is still together and operating, despite being about thirty years old. They can only do so because they have kept fans with them by playing with talent and passion, but without becoming stale. They have over a dozen albums and releases, distributed evenly across the three decades that they've been active. Their sound has changed, but they have not abandoned their roots. Bride has come from being a hard rock/metal band to a contemporary rock band, to an alternative rock band, to a blend of all of these. They have evolved, successfully, in a world that leaves many Christian bands by the wayside. Their sound has powerful guitars, which can chug, strum or wail, depending on the song. Their vocals are strong and driven and can span a appreciable range of pitches, but generally rolls in at a sort of growl. The lyrics that Bride puts out are catchy, yet have purpose to them.
Under the Blood
Bang Goodbye
Drop D
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